427 research outputs found
Symplectic evolution of Wigner functions in markovian open systems
The Wigner function is known to evolve classically under the exclusive action
of a quadratic hamiltonian. If the system does interact with the environment
through Lindblad operators that are linear functions of position and momentum,
we show that the general evolution is the convolution of the classically
evolving Wigner function with a phase space gaussian that broadens in time. We
analyze the three generic cases of elliptic, hyperbolic and parabolic
Hamiltonians. The Wigner function always becomes positive in a definite time,
which is shortest in the hyperbolic case. We also derive an exact formula for
the evolving linear entropy as the average of a narrowing gaussian taken over a
probability distribution that depends only on the initial state. This leads to
a long time asymptotic formula for the growth of linear entropy.Comment: this new version treats the dissipative cas
A microwave resonator integrated on a polymer microfluidic chip
We describe a novel stacked split-ring type microwave (MW) resonator that is integrated into a 10 mm by 10 mm sized microfluidic chip. A straightforward and scalable batch fabrication process renders the chip suitable for single-use applications. The resonator volume can be conveniently loaded with liquid sample via microfluidic channels patterned into the mid layer of the chip. The proposed MW resonator offers an alternative solution for compact in-field measurements, such as low-field magnetic resonance (MR) experiments requiring convenient sample exchange. A microstrip line was used to inductively couple MWs into the resonator. We characterised the proposed resonator topology by electromagnetic (EM) field simulations, a field perturbation method, as well as by return loss measurements. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra at X-band frequencies were recorded, revealing an electron-spin sensitivity of View the MathML source3.7·1011spins·Hz-1/2G-1 for a single EPR transition. Preliminary time-resolved EPR experiments on light-induced triplet states in pentacene were performed to estimate the MW conversion efficiency of the resonator
Alpha-decay branching ratios of near-threshold states in 19Ne and the astrophysical rate of 15O(alpha,gamma)19Ne
The 15O(alpha,gamma)19Ne reaction is one of two routes for breakout from the
hot CNO cycles into the rp process in accreting neutron stars. Its
astrophysical rate depends critically on the decay properties of excited states
in 19Ne lying just above the 15O + alpha threshold. We have measured the
alpha-decay branching ratios for these states using the p(21Ne,t)19Ne reaction
at 43 MeV/u. Combining our measurements with previous determinations of the
radiative widths of these states, we conclude that no significant breakout from
the hot CNO cycle into the rp process in novae is possible via
15O(alpha,gamma)19Ne, assuming current models accurately represent their
temperature and density conditions
Proposal of Claudin-Low Breast Carcinoma Model to Understand Its Aggressive Biological Properties
The Lake Baikal neutrino experiment
We rewiew the present status of the Baikal Neutrino Project and present the
results of a search for high energy neutrinos with the detector intermediate
stage NT-96.Comment: 3 pages, 2 figures, to appear in the Proceedings of Sixth
International Workshop on Topics in Astroparticle and Underground Physics
(TAUP99), September 6-10, 1999, Pais, Franc
Microscopic calculation of proton capture reactions in mass 60-80 region and its astrophysical implications
Microscopic optical potentials obtained by folding the DDM3Y interaction with
the densities from Relativistic Mean Field approach have been utilized to
evaluate S-factors of low-energy reactions in mass 60-80 region
and to compare with experiments. The Lagrangian density FSU Gold has been
employed. Astrophysical rates for important proton capture reactions have been
calculated to study the behaviour of rapid proton nucleosynthesis for waiting
point nuclei with mass less than A=80
Measurement of sub threshold resonance contributions to fusion reactions: the case of the 13C(α, n)16O astrophysical neutron source
The 13C(α, n)16O reaction is the neutron source for the main component of the s-process. It is is active inside the helium-burning shell of asymptotic giant branch stars, at temperatures âČ 108 K. In this temperature region, corresponding to an energy interval of 140 â 230 keV, the 13C(α, n)16O cross section is dominated by the â3 keV sub-threshold resonance due to the 6.356 MeV level in 17O. Direct measurements could not establish its contribution owing to the Coulomb barrier between interacting nuclei, strongly reducing the cross section at astrophysical energies. Similarly, indirect measurements and extrapolations yielded inconsistent results, calling for further investigations. The Trojan Horse Method was applied to the 13C(6Li, n16O)d quasi-free reaction to access the low as well as the negative energy region of the 13C(α, n)16O reaction. By using the generalized R-matrix approach, the asymptotic normalization coefficient (CÌ17O(1/2+)α13C)2 of the 6.356 MeV level was deduced. For the first time, the Trojan Horse Method and the asymptotic normalization coefficient were used in synergy. Our indirect approach lead to (CÌ17O(1/2+)α13C)2 = 7.7â1.5+1.6 fmâ1, slightly larger than the values in the literature, determining a 13C(α, n)16O reaction rate slightly larger than the one in the literature at temperatures lower than 108 K, with enhanced accuracy
Breathing Current Domains in Globally Coupled Electrochemical Systems: A Comparison with a Semiconductor Model
Spatio-temporal bifurcations and complex dynamics in globally coupled
intrinsically bistable electrochemical systems with an S-shaped current-voltage
characteristic under galvanostatic control are studied theoretically on a
one-dimensional domain. The results are compared with the dynamics and the
bifurcation scenarios occurring in a closely related model which describes
pattern formation in semiconductors. Under galvanostatic control both systems
are unstable with respect to the formation of stationary large amplitude
current domains. The current domains as well as the homogeneous steady state
exhibit oscillatory instabilities for slow dynamics of the potential drop
across the double layer, or across the semiconductor device, respectively. The
interplay of the different instabilities leads to complex spatio-temporal
behavior. We find breathing current domains and chaotic spatio-temporal
dynamics in the electrochemical system. Comparing these findings with the
results obtained earlier for the semiconductor system, we outline bifurcation
scenarios leading to complex dynamics in globally coupled bistable systems with
subcritical spatial bifurcations.Comment: 13 pages, 11 figures, 70 references, RevTex4 accepted by PRE
http://pre.aps.or
TRIB3 suppresses tumorigenesis by controlling mTORC2/AKT/FOXO signaling.
In a recent article, we found that Tribbles pseudokinase 3 (TRIB3) plays a tumor suppressor role and that this effect relies on the dysregulation of the phosphorylation of v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT) by the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2 complex), and the subsequent hyperphosphorylation and inactivation of the transcription factor Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3)
Enhanced neutrophil extracellular trap formation in COVID-19 is inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitor ruboxistaurin
Background: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are web-like DNA and protein lattices which are expelled by neutrophils to trap and kill pathogens, but which cause significant damage to the host tissue. NETs have emerged as critical mediators of lung damage, inflammation and thrombosis in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other diseases, but there are no therapeutics to prevent or reduce NETs that are available to patients.
Methods: Neutrophils were isolated from healthy volunteers (n=9) and hospitalised patients with COVID-19 at the acute stage (n=39) and again at 3â4â
months post-acute sampling (n=7). NETosis was measured by SYTOX green assays.
Results: Here, we show that neutrophils isolated from hospitalised patients with COVID-19 produce significantly more NETs in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) compared to cells from healthy control subjects. A subset of patients was captured at follow-up clinics (3â4â
months post-acute sampling), and while LPS-induced NET formation is significantly lower at this time point, it remains elevated compared to healthy controls. LPS- and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced NETs were significantly inhibited by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor ruboxistaurin. Ruboxistaurin-mediated inhibition of NETs in healthy neutrophils reduces NET-induced epithelial cell death.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest ruboxistaurin could reduce proinflammatory and tissue-damaging consequences of neutrophils during disease, and since it has completed phase III trials for other indications without safety concerns, it is a promising and novel therapeutic strategy for COVID-19
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